21 Gun Salute Rally: 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air Convertible Illustration

Eric Clapton's Rock n' Roll Heart from the Money And Cigarettes album surely echoes the voice of a large majority of the American classic car following, especially since the words in his song read "I get off on ‘57 Chevys". The 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, the reference in his song and the accompanying illustration, is regarded as one of the most recognisable American cars of all time.

The Bel Air was produced by Chevrolet between 1950 and 1981, with the car seeing a dramatic styling transition over the years. However, the most loved and sought-after model (even today) is the 1957 Bel Air. The car was available in three body styles-2-door hardtop, 2-door coupe, 4-door sedan, 4-door station wagon and 2-door convertible, like the one featured here.

There were both 6-cylinder and V8 engines on offer of displacements between 3.9 litres and 5.7 litres, and power ranged from 145 hp to 315 hp. Gearboxes for the Bel Air included a 3-speed manual transmission and a 2-speed Powerglide Auto ‘box.

Chevy Bel Airs have no airs, they are cars that were accessible to most and the much-loved design is not just hounded by classic car collectors, but hot rodders too. ‘57 Chevys were often the apple of the eye of rockstars and musicians too. One thing's for sure, no classic car show or hot rod club can claim to be authentic if there's no gleaming chrome fenders and classily restrained fins of the ‘57 Bel Air registered in the books...